Page 111 of End Game

NICO

After having dinner with my mom at a small Mexican restaurant that’s not overrun with Santa Mira students, Ever and I head to the house while Mom drives back home. I let both women fuss over me during dinner, reveling in their attention and not protesting. I stressed them the hell out when I got injured, and while I didn’t do it on purpose, I do feel responsible for almost giving them heart attacks.

Mom is used to it. I’ve broken bones, torn muscles, and wrecked my body in a variety of ways over the years playing football. But as she so kindly reminded us near the end of dinner, this was the first time I’ve ever blacked out on the field.

Not gonna lie. That shit was scary. I don’t remember much beyond getting tackled. I don’t even recall hitting the ground. It’s wild how our mind protects us from trauma.

It’s only when we’re at the house, locked away in my bedroom, that Ever lets her emotions flow freely—by way of tears.

“You scared me so bad,” she admits while I’ve got her pressed against the door, holding her close to me. “You weren’t moving, Nico, and it was just—terrible.”

“I’m okay,” I whisper, brushing the tears away from her cheeks, smiling at her. Needing her to be strong. “I’m fine.”

“You have a slight concussion.” She tilts her chin up, determination filling her features. “That’s dangerous.”

“I’m here at home. Resting. Just like the doctors told me I should do.” Though I’d rather do something else tonight.

Namely Ever.

We’ve been playing thisnope, can’t have actual intercourse yetact long enough. Frankly, I’m dying to fuck her, slight concussion be damned.

I know how to take it easy. I won’t overexert myself.

“You actually wanted to go to Charley’s,” she chastises me. I tried to convince her we should stop by after we left the restaurant and my mom, but she wouldn’t hear of it.

That’s okay because now I’m locked away in my bedroom with her. And there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

“Well, we should get you into bed.” She gives me a gentle shove, and I back away from her, letting her make her escape. She heads for my bed, tugging down the covers and patting the mattress. “Come on.”

“What am I, three?” I make my way toward her, hurriedly kicking off my shoes before I start shedding my clothes.

She glances over at me, doing a double take when she sees what I’m wearing, which is practically nothing. “What are you doing?”

“Getting dressed for bed.” I’m grinning, nearly toppling over as I try to take off my jeans. They’re gone seconds later, and I rise to my full height, clad in only a pair of red boxer briefs.

Her gaze zeros in on the front of my boxers before guiltily jerking back up to my face. “You’re practically naked.”

“This is how I normally sleep.”

“We’ve been falling asleep in your bed for the last few weeks. Together. And you’re never this—” She waves a hand at me. “Naked.”

“Because falling asleep with you in sweats and a T-shirt isn’t how I normally go to bed.” I wave a hand at myself. “This is.”

Everleigh remains rooted in place, eerily quiet.

“You should give it a try,” I encourage softly.

Her brows shoot up. “Are you trying to get me into your bed?”

I decide to be honest. “Yes.” I grin.

She rolls her eyes, toeing off her shoes. And to my eternal gratefulness, she slowly undresses, until she’s standing by the side of my bed in just my jersey and panties, white socks still on her feet. “How’s this?”

“Better,” I answer. “The jersey is a nice touch, especially without pants.”

“You have a big ego.”

“Among other big things.” I grin.

---